Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning of intensified retaliation against Ukraine following a drone attack on the city of Kazan, located approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the Ukrainian border. “Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country,” Putin declared.
The Saturday attack involved six drones striking residential buildings and a seventh hitting an industrial site in Kazan. Although official reports stated there were no casualties, local media noted that three individuals sustained minor injuries from shattered glass. Videos circulating on Russian social media captured drones striking a high-rise glass structure, triggering fireballs but causing no significant casualties.
While Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the Kazan strike, it is widely viewed as a potential response to a recent Russian missile attack on Kyiv. This escalation follows Putin’s previous threats to launch hypersonic ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital in retaliation for strikes on Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Russia’s military claims to have made significant gains in eastern Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence announced on Telegram the “liberation” of Lozova in the Kharkiv region and Krasnoye (Sontsivka in Ukraine), near the resource hub of Kurakhove. The area is nearing encirclement, marking a key step in Moscow’s bid to seize the entire Donetsk region.
The recent advances underscore Russia’s intensified push to secure territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has reportedly captured over 190 settlements this year, capitalizing on Ukraine’s struggles with manpower and ammunition shortages.
This escalation comes as geopolitical attention turns to the incoming US administration, with President-elect Donald Trump promising to swiftly end the nearly three-year-long conflict. However, details of a potential peace deal or ceasefire remain unclear.
Source :- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/22/russias-putin-pledges-destruction-on-ukraine-after-kazan-drone-attack